Metal lawn-tennis net



(No-Medal.)

S. CUNNINGHAM. METAL LAWN TENNIS NET.

Patented May 15.. 1883.

Wain/am a":

N. PETERS. Fholo-Lilhuglaplwr. washmglomllc.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SEYMOUR CUNNINGHAM, or TROY, NEW YORK.

METAL LAWN-TENNIS NET."

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 277,551, dated May 15, 1883..

Application filed February 23, 1883. (No model.)

for more than two years prior to this application,) of which the following is a specification. Previous to my invention, so far as I know, lawn-tennis nets have been made of wooden posts and hemp or other vegetable rope nets and guy-ropes, the whole being inseparable and unchangeable as to their parts. Such lawn-tennis nets are defective, because, first, the rope mesh and guy-ropes shrinkandstretch, become stained, torn, and out of shape and position, and easily wear out; second, the net being injured in any part cannot be readjusted so as to place the injured part in a less essential position and a sound part in the most essential position; and, third, the posts are brittie and too long to be packed in a compass commensurate with the requirements of the other parts.

My invention covers each of these defects. It relates to improvements in lawn-tennis nets, in which the posts, nets, and guy-ropes are made of metal, and may be readily separated or put together; and the objects of my improvements are, first, to provide a lawn-tennis net of metal possessing the most strength and durability, with a due amount of pliabilityand lightness; second, to afiord facilities for the placing and displacing of the net upon the posts in a reversible manner; and, third, to allow the easy separation of the whole into its component parts, and vice versa, to enable the net to be packed in a small compass. I attain these objects by the contrivance illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a face view of the entire netas 'it appears in position ready for use in the game of lawn-tennis; Fig. 2, a face View of either post and guy-rope and either end of the net, and showing the means of connection and disconnection'between the same, both posts, both guy-ropes, and both ends of the not being similar; Fig.3, a face view of the old not commonly now in use, likewise in position ready for use.

Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

In Fig. 1 the net A A is to be of wire, of such mesh as will allow clear vision through the spaces, and at the same time give sufficient strength and pliability, and of length, breadth, and shape to conform to the rules of the game. of lawn-tennis.

In Fig. 2 the post B is made of iron tube of iron shoe, E, which may be either screwed or plugged into the post, and which will enable the quick and firm adjustment of the post in the ground. Upon the post B there are eyes or rings F F, fastened in any manner to keep them securely in place, and upon the end of the net are corresponding hooks, G G, which, fitting into the rings in the post, quickly secure the net and the post together. The hooks are made with a swivel-joint, which, while it will facilitate the booking and unhooking of So the net, will make it easy to fit the net to the posts withv either edge of the net uppermost. If the not should in any way become injured or broken on either edge, more regard being bad in the play of the game to the maintenance of a true and straight line at the uppermost edge of the net, the defect could be reme died and the usefulness of the net continued by adjusting it to the posts with the best edge uppermost. lhenet being of wire, also, will prove to remain in the truest shape and condi tion throughout and for the longest time possible, which is a prime essential, not for the appearance only, butfor the accurate and certain play of the game of lawn-tennis; also, in Fig. 2 there is represented either guy-rope H, to be of wire rope or brass chain for strength and appearance, and which is fastened to the top of the post B, and has'a pin, K, attached to the lower end of the guy-rope, to be pressed I00 or driven into the ground to secure the guy- I upon the posts which support the net proper to ropertaut. t in such manner that the net may be reversed What I claim as myiuvention, and desire to I by easy adjustment.

secure by Letters Patent, is 3. The divisible post, capable of being packed l. The metal lawn-tennis net, including the in small compass, all substantially as set forth.

posts, net, and guy -ropes hereinbefore de- SEYMOUR CUNNINGHAM.

2.,The combination of swivel ioint hooks SEYMOUR VAN SANTVOORD,

scribed. i Witnesses: upon the ends of the net, fitting into rings! E. W. GREENMAN.

s ww z l x 

